Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Tuesday's Treasure


Here is my treasure for the week! The passion started when I worked at Nordstrom's coffee bar. It has never left me. There is something special, about the treat of coffee. Understand it is not a weekly, daily but rather a rare monthly treat. However, I do love it! I also love that my kids think it is the greatest to get milk in their own green cup or the box with a cow! Everybody is happy. By the way, I will confess that when drinking a coffee drink, I almost always get 140 degree coffee or the regular hot. It is just the way I am, it relaxes me. What is your favorite flavor? Mine right now is going back to the Carmel Macciato ~ yum!

Monday, March 30, 2009

Obedience Fulfilled

Last year, my friend talked me into running a 5K. Her convincing point was that we would be running along the beach - can it get better than that? Sure the race was in February, but we live in So Cal, how bad could the weather really get? Well, I trained since I wasn't a runner at the time. I was prepared, or so I thought. The day of the race, it was freezing cold, crazy winds, and POURING down rain, the beach was NOT beautiful, it was grey and the waves were angry. I ran, and I ran hard because I wanted the HELL to end. It was seriously something out of a comic or something, but there was a finish line and I crossed it. My clothes weighed 7 pounds heavier at the end of the race (just so you understand the elements).

As you know (or look in last weeks posts) that I have been dealing with obedience especially last week. Well, I crossed that finish line as well. I was telling Mr. C. that in looking back, what I came to realize was that God was preparing me. He was asking me to train, exercise my faith, and be prepared for the race ahead. But as I was nearing the finishing line, not happy about running in the rain and misery, God delivered me. It was just like Abraham and Isaac. Once, I think God realized that I was in it for the finish line, HE took it away. You see the situation He had put me in, didn't come through. Things changed ~whew. But what I realized was that my heart was right. I fought God and whined, but I was willing to do what He asked. Now my race might not be fully over, but I know that my faith improved this week and I grew. I grew in obedience, and although I didn't like the process (AT ALL), I feel good at the end of it. God gave me His warm arms around my heart, and a refreshing water bottle to refresh my spirit.

The beauty of running the race is that there are finish lines, dry clothes, water bottles, and small victories as we prepare for the next one. Here is to the next race God asks me to run......I better keep training!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Obedience Part 2

So what I have figured out is that in order to really live out my faith that I say I have I need to be obedient. That just put a blow to my ego and pride quite honestly. You see, I wanted to express my faith in God, but not really live out my faith in HIM. Not really want to see where I was being disobedient, or partially obedient but not willing to go all the way. Then Tuesday in BSF, we were reminded again by those good ole' Israelites that in order to grow in faith, we need to grow in obedience. I want to grow in faith. I want to grow in my walk, but there are times when I want to do things the easy way, the chicken way, or simply MY way. I remember all too well the summer that I grew 4 inches and my brother grew 7 inches. ONE SUMMER!! To say that we had growing pains is a bit of an understatement. It hurt to walk, move, be touched, or do anything but be in the water. Faithful growing seems to be much the same way, at times somewhat painful, but worth it in the end.

Then while watching the Dog Whisperer, I had this realization: Ceasar was saying that a good pack leader doesn't do things to make themselves happy, they do the things that need to be done for the good of the pack and make the pack happy and fulfilled. Words for training your dog ~ yes, words for living out the faith I claim ~ also yes. Being a good FOLLOWER isn't about what makes me happy, it is ALL about what makes my LEADER happy and being obedient to HIM. It is when we live out our faith, and exercise our faith that we grow in our faith and therefore, have a happy pack.

Another kicker, as I am helping Bubba with his homework? His memory verse is Hebrews 11:6, talking about what? You guessed it faith! Then his definition is Faith: believing God will always do what He says. Wisdom from the 8 year old's homework, but it also got me thinking. You see, God doing what He says is a double edged sword. What I want to glance over so many times as I am reading the Word is the consequences for NOT being obedient. Guess what, God is going to be faithful in fulfilling those too ~ ouch! Guess it was a good thing I was paying attention to the homework this week. It gave me a lesson too! Here is to growing.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Pointless Poll

Okay, so Target is definitely the winner. According to my readers, the Walmarts of America should be shutting down soon ~ ha! ANYWAY........I know you are anxiously waiting this weeks poll (or so I want to believe anyway), it to me is not as easy as last weeks: the big question for you is which one floats your boat more? Tom or Brad ???? I struggle with this question........Meet Joe Black, verses the volleyball scene in Top Gun? How can you choose??? Yet this week, I am looking forward to seeing the results, and of course reading your comments on the ever pressing issue! OH and by the way, this has NOTHING to do with their personal lives (I won't go there) just base it on looks, ability, muscles, whatever!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Tuesday's Treasure

We have had Koda now for 3 months. He is a 5 month old lab, who doesn't realize just how big he is. If you were to ask him, he would tell you that he is a laprador not a labrador. He doesn't know that soon to be 100 pound dogs don't really fit in your lap, but he tries his hardest to fit in mine. My lap is his safe place! He is funny, cooky, and generally a great puppy. He has HUGE paws, but he also has huge paws to fill, as our last lab was a fabulous dog. It has been three years since Max passed away, and now we are on the adventure of puppyhood. Koda has been a tremendous blessing to our family, it is exciting to see the kids bonding with him the last three months.......Here is to many more posts as we go through puppyhood together and the adventures of having a dog in general.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Obedience

I have been struggling with obedience lately. I think that in general, I am a pretty obedient person by nature. As a teenager, I was scared to death to do anything too major in fear of disappointing my parents, teachers, etc. However, while on our way to church yesterday, I figured out what my problem is lately. You see, in order to be OBEDIENT, you have to be 100% obedient. You have to put aside your will, your desires, your passions and follow those of someone else. The funny irony in all of this, is as I have been studying the life of Moses, I have been quick to judge the Israelites for their disobedience and general lack of faith. But lately, I have been looking at my own circumstances and realized shamefully that it isn't that much different. You see, I have been giving God my 90% and thinking that I am pretty good with myself. However, partial obedience is still disobedience in God's eyes (most parental eyes too).

Then I was taught the lesson that if you are obedient in beginning the process, God will make sure to complete the lesson we are to learn. I hate this part. I recently started on a path of obedience, feeling proud of myself. But now the path is beginning to get hard, the direction is uphill, and I want to quit. I want to jump ship and not be obedient anymore. I know that this is wrong, I know what God still wants me to do, it is just that my heart isn't in it anymore. As fate would have it, in this area Mr. C. is totally excited about the possibilities, and therefore it makes me submit on two fronts: one to God, and one to Mr. C. I will keep you posted.....for this is going to be a journey.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

And the Winner Is.......




Today after church we conducted an official taste test of sorts. As posted on Tuesday, my neighbor and friend is a Shamrock Shake fan like me. However, we live very close to a Carl's Jr restaurant as well. This posses a funny problem, as Carl's is having their own minty shake with Oreo tidbits in it this season as well. So to be fair, we decided to have a taste test. So after church we met them at our Carl's Jr (they went to first service). We strategically got water cups so that we would not be swayed by cup difference, and shut our eyes while our spouse fed us the straw. We had option one and two changing every time someone took a part in the contest. Out of the four kids, two participated. The winner for the best shake was.........Carl's Mint Oreo. However, it was very close, much closer than we could have guessed. My personal vote, if getting in the car to go get a shake was still for the Shamrock goodness that I love, and it wasn't just out of nostalgia either.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Take the Poll

To get through the "Hump" day I have decided to add something to my blog. It is a meaningless poll. You got that right, you can comment on the left under the reason I may have chosen that particular topic, but as for the poll you can see it on the right and go from there. This is meaningless, pop-icon, or whatever. By the way, I am totally open to suggestions for polling questions. Meaningfull things like: Tom or Brad? McDonalds fries or Carl's? These things are not going to be earth shattering, and that is the way I like it. There is enough earth shattering things out there, for us to worry about, so with that being said, enjoy, have fun, and VOTE!!

So this weeks poll is this: Do you spend more TIME in Target or Walmart? Where do you prefer. Now, don't get all righteous on me and say it doesn't matter, that is not the point, you have a preference, now tell me and the few who read me what it is. If you are passionate, then remember you can always leave a comment! TALK to ME!!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Tuesday's Lucky Treasure



Happy St. Patrick's Day!!! Every year, this time of year, I go on the hunt for McDonald's Shamrock Shake. My neighbor and friend have been texting each other when we find a Mc Donald's that is participating (not every one does). Ever since I was little, it has been tradition to drink Shamrock Shakes, especially on St. Patrick's Day. It is a tradition that my family still celebrates. It is something that makes me smile even as I drive by a Mc D's establishment. The creamy minty flavor.........yum!!! So go treat yourself to a wonderful snack, and know that no matter where you are, I will be consuming one today, if not two! Bubba's comment on Friday as we were enjoying a frothy snack was "Ahhhh.....I love March!" Wisdom from an 8 year old.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Technology Status

I came to a realization just the other night while watching a commercial that technology can be a social status of your life. It enlightened me on why I felt so compelled to upgrade my cell phone. The way I see it is this, if you have a NEED for a fancy phone, then your life must be pretty important. You can check your e-mail anywhere, means that you have people e-mailing you who actually NEED to get in touch with you, instead of a friendly letter, joke, or pictures of their kids, or worse shopping adds. If you need a GPS, then that means that you have somewhere important to find and go. The need for a camera is fun, and why have too many gadgets, so let's include your music here too. Internet access makes it easy to quickly update your status on FB, and you can post anywhere anytime, find information etc. You see, Mr. C. has a fun phone. It is VERY fun to play with his phone, I like it, kids like it, we are all happy. But Mr. C. has the NEED for a technology advanced phone (if you really want to know, he actually has two ~ an iphone and a blackberry!) One if for each of his jobs, and it is fine. Me on the other hand do not have a need. I do not NEED to get my e-mail which by the way is from stores or friends, at any time. I rarely travel without Mr. C. outside of our city where I don't know exactly where I am going therefore do not need GPS. I do not have FB or really any need for Internet at my fingers at any time. You see, even when at work, I always have my laptop so these things are available to me (even blogging!) My phone issues need to be this: I need to be content. I need a phone to call people on, to call the school should I be late, to chat with friends, and in case there is an accident. That is all. I would like a phone that is better at texting (Mrs. Dunbar laughed at me!) but that will just have to wait, for as far as I know there is no better option without an Internet price tag and contract. The bottom line is this: I need to be content and happy with what I have, that works correctly, and is paid for. My old phone is just fine, and do you know what it says about me? I don't have the stresses that some people do that come with the need for their phone. I can leave my phone in the car, house, or purse for days at a time, and usually I am okay. You can always reach me at home, where I normally am, or e-mail me, where I am on my computer, and as for pictures.....well, mine does take those, and I need to be grateful for that feature. Here is to contentment!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Literature Snob

I have to confess that I have slowly become a literature snob. You see, I read what I like, and haven't really been open to "new" or the "craze" that might be going around. That is until this past month. I don 't know if you pay attention, but in my sidebar there is a section for what I am reading......the hope was to discuss this, and have some accountability of some sort. Well, my friend J was talking not long ago about the Twilight series. It got me thinking, and I quickly disregarded it. I mean, I am a chicken to start with! Vampires ~ hmmmm nope! But alas, I needed a small gift for my dad of all people and bought it for him for Christmas as a filler gift. Well, my Dad liked the first book so much, he went and bought the second book while snowed in on vacation. That got my interest up even more.......My Dad, Vampires......hmmmmm. So I broke down and started the book Twilight, not really knowing what to expect. What shocked me the most as I finished the first book yesterday was how much my own snobbery was going to let me miss out on something because of preconceived notions. I thought it was for a younger crowd (why I bought it for my dad still confuses me!). I thought it was a craze because the movie had come out not long ago (how good can a teeny - bopper movie be?). Again, it was about vampires and I am afraid of the bugga - bugga. But, my friend was right. I should have known because I respect her. It was a great story and yes, I have started the second one already. My point is this: don't let your snobbery rob you of new experiences! Now, will I rent the DVD when it comes out next month, I don't know, but I am up for it so that I won't be a snob ~ that and I will be prepared for the bugga-bugga. Maybe I will only watch it if Mr. C. will protect me!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Tuesday's Treasure




This is Missy. This week, my sassy little one turns 5!! It is hard to imagine that time has passed by so quickly in so many areas since she came into our lives. She is pure joy, a little saucy, and extremely artistic. She is funny without trying, and caring in a sweet tender way. There are so many things about her that are little girl, while she tries out big girl stuff too. Look at her trying out my shoes that morning as I frantically am making lunches, I had to stop and take this picture because she is so cute!Mostly the thing I admire from her, is the simplicity to enjoy the moment she is in. I need to learn from that. She is my treasure, my answer to so many prayers, and our pure joy. Happy Birthday little one!

Monday, March 09, 2009

Morning Tears

This morning was a stereo-typical Monday morning. The alarm clock went off way too early, but I dealt with it. Then after getting my brain in gear, God and I had a good morning together (this is pretty much the only thing I did get right). The kids were uncharacteristically still asleep when Mr. C. and I came downstairs, but with the time change and busy weekend, I will give Bubba a few more minutes to sleep in.......When I do awake him, he is angry with me for doing so. We have tears over the fact that Missy still gets to sleep just because her school starts later and I am not driving this morning in carpool. We have tears that I am picking up and that Daddy has left already ~yikes he is suppose to NOT be my drama one. Then much later, after Bub has calmed down a bit and is slowly eating breakfast, Missy does wake up. She is mad because she was calling for Daddy and I came. She starts to cry because Daddy has left for work already and I DIDN'T wake her up. More tears..........Finally Bubba leaves, and I still get tears because it was so cold this morning that I didn't want her to go outside without at least socks on or shoes to say good-bye to the big kids. So I got the works as I was helping Bubba in the car. Then Charley hacked up a fur ball for me to clean up. The positives, is that everybody got to school on time, and Koda and I had a good morning getting things done. No tears there, until I had to leave him in his kennel when picking up Missy from school because the backyard was still wet from bug spray..........No tears, but whining and definitely not a happy puppy.

Friday, March 06, 2009

Summer Romance

They say that if you have a birthday right near Christmas, chances are VERY high, that your parents conceived you on or right near Valentines day. That is sweet to think that you might be the product of your parents being romantic and each other's Valentine. However, I am looking at the calendar not too long ago and thought to myself "Oh my gosh, what got SO many people in the mood???" You see, when I look at the calendar on my desk, or in my Outlook, I see 18 color coordinated birthdays of those people that we love, are related, or both! The unfortunate thing, is that I know I am even missing some ~ how sad. Did you read that line again 18!!! IN ONE MONTH!!! The nice thing is that there are several that share the day, whether they know it or not. But then I got to thinking.......hum, Missy has a March birthday........I know EXACTLY when we got pregnant with her, and you know what???? It was June (that is all of the details you really need to know). So last night as I couldn't sleep (a whole other blog altogether), I was wondering what about summer makes people more in the mood, pure coincidence? Maybe, but then I was thinking that maybe the boom of March birthday's is the simpleness of summer finally being here, the days are longer, the nights eating on the patio are relaxing with the glass of wine......I am sure you get the gist. So if I am forgetting your birthday on my calender, I apologize now. But if you follow this blog at all, trust me you are on the radar. Here is looking forward to some summer nights, but first let's enjoy the coming spring!

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Tuesday's Treasure


My treasure today is oranges. You see yesterday I stopped by Moma A's house to pick some to use for my dinner that night (salmon marinade ~ yum!!) but as I walked to the grove I was by myself. It was quiet and the birds were singing. When I got down to the grove the first thing that hit me was the wonderful scent of orange blossoms. As I picked my bag of luscious fruit, I was happy and sad at the same time. Happy that I was getting more delicious oranges, but sad, because with the orange trees in blossom, it is signaling the end of a season and time. We will still have oranges for several more weeks, but then we have to wait again. It was nice being in the grove being able to think, and just take in the wonderful gift that God gave us in something as simple as oranges. They truly are a treasure ~ especially for Riversiders!